HELP sprucing up a tired old patio

QueenBee2

Hello, I have a tired and uneven patio just outside my french doors, i am looking for something ideally to cover it (as its cheaper than replacing it) I've swayed against the idea of gravel as in past experience it's a great home for spiders...which i dont want wandering into my kitchen. Its a very shady spot and can become very damp in the winter so i'm reluctant to deck it. I feel they are my only options other than re-flag it. But as a last resort does anyone have any different ideas? I'd be very grateful of any idea, no matter how crazy it may seem. Thanks for reading my post.

Fairygirl

If you want to simply cover it the only real option is decking but I definitely wouldn't use it if it's shady. Gravel is the best solution but you'd need to remove the paving or it will all move when you walk on it and be even more dangerous. 

Loxley

You can get resin bonded gravel, but no good if the slabs are uneven or even slightly loose. I can't think of anything better than gravel to cover it up as a quick fix - decking's fine but for the cost you may as well lay new flags. You already presumably have a reasonable base to lay them on. (Hopefully they're not laid direct on soil!)

QueenBee2

Thanks for your advice, i've been thinking of ideas for weeks, the slabs have been laid on soil, and have been disturbed by tree roots, new patio it is then.



Many thanks

M Fent

If the slabs are in good condition, why not relay them 'properly' . A quick google will show you the technique... Layer of compacted hardcore, mortar, slabs etc. Especially if it is a shady spot you will be able to pressure wash the lichen and moss off unlike gravel. Also a properly laid patio is quite lovely